Domaine de La Chapelle - Hermitage La Chapelle - White 2020
On the Hermitage hill, above Tain-l’Hermitage, La Chapelle Blanc represents one of the rarest expressions of the heritage of Paul Jaboulet Aîné, now united under the Domaine de La Chapelle identity. The 2020 vintage marks the return of this cuvée after several years of absence, the previous release dating back to 2014. It comes exclusively from the Maison Blanche lieu-dit, located in the upper part of the hill, a historic area particularly suited to the great whites of Hermitage. The Marsanne finds favorable conditions here to develop depth and richness while maintaining remarkable tension. This very precise origin distinguishes La Chapelle Blanc from the Chevalier de Stérimberg, another emblematic white of the estate made from a different selection of terroirs. The Frey family, owners since 2006, have gradually strengthened the parcel work and the pursuit of finesse that now characterize the estate’s wines. In 2020, this approach gives birth to a rare Hermitage white, built more on precision and energy than on immediate opulence.
Hermitage La Chapelle Blanc 2020 is made exclusively from Marsanne from the Maison Blanche lieu-dit. The vintage is distinguished by a relatively slender expression for the appellation, with a particularly present acidity that naturally balances the richness of the grape variety. The aging work brings depth and a more enveloping texture, perceptible in the creamy and slightly pastry-like nuances that accompany the fruit. Marsanne nevertheless retains great aromatic clarity, with an expression dominated by stone fruits, citrus, and white flowers. This combination of volume and tension sets the 2020 apart from the most massive Hermitage whites and gives it a more linear profile. The terroir’s minerality appears gradually in the mid-palate and helps extend the tasting. Its structure and balance give it significant aging potential, with a particularly interesting development potential over the next decade.
The color shows a bright pale gold hue, still marked by youth. The bouquet opens with fresh apricot, pear, and white flowers, accompanied by lemon, verbena, and a hint of crushed stone. With aeration, fresh almond, a creamy touch, and fine woody notes gradually enrich the whole. The palate has breadth but remains remarkably taut, with acidity bringing energy to the naturally generous texture of the Marsanne. White and yellow fruits are extended by citrus, a slight note of honey, and a mineral dimension that adds relief to the finish. The whole still has some restraint and will gain complexity with a few more years in the bottle. La Chapelle Blanc 2020 will accompany scallops, roasted lobster, turbot, poultry with morels, sweetbreads, or a hard-ripened cheese.
Grape variety: 100% Marsanne
